Forest
A simple app to stay focused and be present
Shepherd
Meeting notes, agendas & tasks - in Google Calendar & Meet
Updated February 2026
| Forest | Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7★ | 5.0★ |
| Reviews | 6 | 17 |
| Pros | 10 | 21 |
| FactScore™ | 39.5 | 62.8 |
FactScore™ Comparison
FactScore™ weighs both quality (rating) and popularity (reviews) for a fairer ranking than stars alone.
Pros & Cons
Only in Forest — Pros
Focus enhancement Real tree planting Simple interface App design Pomodoro technique Gamification Mindfulness support Minimalist design Regular updates Time trackingBoth tools — Pros
—Only in Shepherd — Pros
Improved meeting productivity Easy to use Collaborative notes Time-saving Easy note sharing Google Meet integration Meeting minutes capture Fast product improvement Google Calendar integration Meeting notes storage No multi-tabs Productivity app integrations Remote team collaboration Structure meetings Agenda management Assign action items Custom agendas Email sharing Export to Notion Streamlined processes Task allocationOnly in Forest — Cons
No alarm feature No continuous trackingBoth tools — Cons
—Only in Shepherd — Cons
Lack of home page for previous meeting notesDetails
| Forest | Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Categories | Productivity, Scheduling software, Mental Health | Productivity, Chrome Extensions, Meeting software |
| Platforms | Web · iOS · Android | Web |
| Became Popular | September 7, 2014 | March 3, 2022 |
| Website | forestapp.cc | www.meetshepherd.com |
Who Should Pick Which?
Choose Forest if...
- Focus enhancement
- Real tree planting
- Simple interface
Choose Shepherd if...
- Improved meeting productivity
- Easy to use
- Collaborative notes
With a FactScore™ of 39.5 vs 62.8, Shepherd leads in community reception. Forest uniquely offers Focus enhancement and Real tree planting, while Shepherd stands out for Improved meeting productivity and Easy to use.
What Users Say
Forest
I have used it for five years to focus on my daily tasks/hobbies. It started as a student, and now Forest follows me daily for working, work-out, doing chores, cooking, etc... An important plus: yo...
I love this app; I always used it while studying for my degree. It really helps you focus and prevents you from getting distracted. And what I love most is that real trees are being planted. You've...
A perfect app that contributes to my mindfulness. Every day, I graphically track the amount of time I spend on business, personal stuff, sports, and education planting different trees for each acti...
Shepherd
Amazing product, I especially love taking meeting notes and exporting to Notion with a click. Also love the integrations.
I use shepherd as an individual and not necessarily with my team as they are all very much physical presence meeting people. This product has helped structure my thoughts before and during meetings...
I have been an early user of Shepherd for a few weeks now, and it has already improved the meetings I host. It helps with ensuring an agenda before a meeting, because I have a clear place in my cal...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Forest or Shepherd?
Based on FactScore™, Shepherd leads with a score of 62.8 vs 39.5. Shepherd has a higher rating of 5.0★ compared to 4.7★.
What are the pros of Forest compared to Shepherd?
Forest uniquely offers: Focus enhancement, Real tree planting, Simple interface, App design, Pomodoro technique.
What are the pros of Shepherd compared to Forest?
Shepherd uniquely offers: Improved meeting productivity, Easy to use, Collaborative notes, Time-saving, Easy note sharing.
Is Forest better rated than Shepherd?
Forest is rated 4.7★ from 6 reviews. Shepherd is rated 5.0★ from 17 reviews.
What is the FactScore™ of Forest and Shepherd?
FactScore™ weighs rating and review volume together. Forest scores 39.5 and Shepherd scores 62.8.
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